Sometimes when I really love a brand I fear my reviews will be too positive and not seem sincere. This is definitely the case with Merrick canned pet foods. They pretty much do everything right! If you don’t mind me gushing, read on for my review of Merrick Venison Holiday Stew from our friends at Chewy.com. I can’t review Merrick without mentioning their adorable illustrations on their cans. I know some people don’t care about that, but I am a total sucker for great package design. Since I often pick up Merrick as a special treat for my dogs, the special packaging really adds to the experience.

But of course, the most important part is what’s in the can. I like to give my dogs a variety of interesting proteins and Merrick delivers with huge chunks of venison along with whole peas, carrots, potatoes, zucchini and apples. It’s nice to open the can and actually SEE all the ingredients listed on the can. You could probably serve this stew to a person and they wouldn’t think twice about digging in!

My dogs were outside while I got their bowls ready and took some quick photos, and I swear they heard the can crack open from outside and came running to the door. I’d been feeding the Venison Holiday Stew for a few days. Sometimes using it as a kibble topper, and sometimes going all out and serving it as their entire dinner.

Molly wouldn’t even get her head out of her bowl and stop licking it clean for me to get a picture. Pug scooted his bowl across the kitchen floor eating it so voraciously.

Here he is taking a very brief pause to actually chew.

So, overall if you couldn’t already guess my conclusion, I love the Merrick Venison Holiday Stew as well as every other Merrick Grain-Free canned food we have tried. They have some of my favorite packaging in the industry, and they make great-quality, highly palatable food made in the USA. All their foods are always free of animal byproducts, corn, wheat and soy. Most formulas are also grain-free.

The only dogs I wouldn’t recommend this for are dogs that can’t tolerate potato or need to avoid starches altogether since it does contain some chunks of potato and potato starch.

Have your dogs tried Merrick foods? What are their favorite varieties?

Disclaimer: This case of Merrick Venison Holiday Stew was sent to me for free by Chewy.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I never recommend any products I don’t truly love!